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Best movies for kids in October 2012

By Jo Harris |

Whisk together a few ghosts and ghouls and one strange geek. Add a meanie and some monsters, together with a bunch of singing soul sisters and a flying dinosaur or two. Garnish with a thick layer of Cinderella (for extra sweetness) and there you have it: October’s entertainment offerings, at the cinema and on DVD, in one delicious mixture. We think it’s a recipe for a great month of movie feasting. And because October 31 is Halloween, enjoy the spooky movies on offer this month.

Frankenweenie

A classic tale about a boy and his beloved dog, with an eerie but entertaining twist! When Sparky the dog unexpectedly dies, young Victor puts science to the test and brings him back to life. When Sparky starts terrorising the neighbourhood, Victor has to persuade everyone that despite his strange often unnerving behaviour, Sparky is still the same good-hearted dog as he was before.

Ages: There are definitely some scary scenes in this flick that could alarm small children.

Adult compatibility: Tim Burton fans will jump for joy - this movie has all the trademarks of Burton’s odd-ball style and will not disappoint.

Sparkle

A moving portrayal, set in the 1960’s Motown-era, about a group of singing sisters who want nothing more than to hit the big time. When things don’t go according to plan these gorgeous sisters, and their overly concerned mother (played by the one and only Whitney Houston in her last film), must learn about life, love and family the hard way.

Ages: This movie is best suited to primary school-aged girls who have dreams of making it big in show business.

Adult compatibility: Whitney Houston’s last onscreen performance, before her untimely death, will touch all those who admired her. Sparkle is well worth the watch for this fact alone.

New to DVD

Cinderella (Diamond Edition)

Every little girl’s dream comes to life in this diamond edition of the timeless 1950’s Disney classic, Cinderella. With revamped digital pictures and high-definition sound, the characters and music light up the screen like never before. Get cosy on the couch and reacquaint yourself with the ultimate fairytale – the original pauper-to-princess story.

Ages: Little girls of all ages and stages love Cinderella. She’s the pin-up princess after all!

Adult compatibility: Ok, so dads probably won’t be keen on this one, but every mum was once a little girl … if you’ve forgotten, this flick will definitely remind you.

Shrek’s Thrilling Tales

Trailer not available.

Here’s an early Halloween present for DreamWorks Animation fans. It’s three riotous episodes of scaaaarrryyy monster stories in one DVD, with characters from the Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens movies. With episode titles like: Night of the Living Carrots, The Pig who Cried Werewolf, and The Ghost of Lord Farquaar, you know you’re in for a few good old-fashioned belly laughs.

Ages: For kids of all ages except those, of course, with monster-phobias.

Adult compatibility: Everyone can do with a good dose of Mike Myers (the voice of Shrek) every now and then! You will giggle, that’s a promise!

Geek Charming

How about another charming Disney fairytale? This one, however, is from a slightly different vintage. It’s a clichéd case of geeky boy (Josh) meets popular girl (Dylan) - and as we all know, this often spells disaster! As Dylan struggles to come to terms with being dumped by her perfect boyfriend, she realises that geeks are actually pretty cool and maybe, just maybe, even loveable!

Ages: Female tweens, eat your heart out!

Adult compatibility: Let’s be honest, this is a twee high school drama that will leave most of us squirming in our seats. So, our advice: press play and run!

David Attenborough presents: Flying Monsters

This unique documentary reveals the mysterious life and times of the flying dinosaurs, known as Pterosaurs. Journey back in time, on a fantastical adventure, and watch these prehistoric flying machines soar the sky. It’s edge-of-your seat, jaw-dropping stuff.

Ages: This movie will have little palaeontologists gripped, from start to finish. Recommended for those 4+.

Adult compatibility: This is David Attenborough, and his sultry tones, at their finest, and the grown-up world certainly agrees – it won a BAFTA television award in 2011.